What metaphors are used in Pale Horse, Pale Rider: Three Short Novels by Katherine Anne Porter?

In Noon Wine, Mr. Hatch tells Mr. Thompson that the song Mr. Helton always plays on the harmonica is a Scandinavian song about drinking wine in the morning while working. In the song, a farmer enjoys drinking so much that he can not wait until noon to drink, but instead drinks up the day's liquor in the morning. The song is a metaphor for enjoying oneself and partying early on, only to face the consequences later.